Welcome to Hickstead, home to both Seven Oak Stables, and Blue Acre - two rival stables. Both offer opportunities for their clients to reach the highest level of excellence. Each stable differs from the other, so choose wisely and never forget, loyalty is everything... Meanwhile as the stables battle it out, there's trouble brewing at the university. Be careful, if you don't pick a side you may get caught in the cross-fire...
This is an chilled out rpg with a super friendly and relaxed atmosphere! Remember to sign up with your characters full name in all caps and don't forget to do your claims! Thank you and Welcome, we've been established since 10th March 2009 but unfortunately have had to close guest view of our boards due to multiple sites ripping off our hard work, such a shame! Come chat to us in Discord before joining if you like!.
Amanda had finished riding Waylon, deciding to go on a trail ride to check out the cross country course. It wasn't something she did often, though it was the English discipline that was her favorite. Waylon sniffed the log during their cool-out session - the young stallion was glad that it was finally the time of year to ride outside.
She rode the bay back to the stables, dismounting out of her Western saddle and putting him in an empty cross-tie. The woman waved at a stable hand who seemed to be free - asking her if she could tend to Waylon as it was time for her to teach Piper. She thanked the woman before turning to head back to the cross-country course. She zipped up her puffy vest before climbing up and over the fence, standing by the gate for when Piper arrived with Boo.
"Hello again you two, ready for your first cross country lesson with me? Has Boo been behaving himself lately?" She had hoped the lesson would go well - it was going to be relatively easy as she was a bit rusty herself, though she had seen Piper and Boo during their show jumping lessons - it would be fun for the three of them. "Why don't you get on and start walking him around, feel free to have a loose rein to let his neck stretch as a warmup."
Without a doubt, the best way to get to know me is through my music
thanks aofie!
Even dice roll = lesson goes well!
Fifty-two - riding instructor at Helping Hooves - Separated
Amanda was excited to teach again. Her and Waylon had done well at the most recent competition - glad that she had such a supportive barn behind her. The stallion had a much deserved day off, though Amanda decided to give him a nice graze on some fresh grass. The two had found some nice spots during their first few months at Helping Hooves.
The woman looked down - checking her phone, realizing that it was almost time for her to teach. "Sorry, Waylon. I gotta go teach. Your P.M feed should be there though. We can go on a trail ride tomorrow for fun." She promised, pulling up gently on the lead rope, causing the dark bay stallion to lift his head and huff - as if he was disgruntled with the interruption. Amanda laughed as she led her horse back to his stall - seeing that she was correct. The stallion had his grain and hay already ready for him to eat. She led him inside his stall and took off his halter, giving him a pat on the neck before closing the stall door and clipping his halter to the stall door.
She had left a note for both Yui and Orion - saying that they would be riding outside as the sun was shining after a few days of rain. Amanda picked up her lunge line on her way outside - she had learned that this was going to be her rider's first ever lesson. It was always exciting for her to teach newbies and watch them learn and grow from the ground up. Not long after she had arrived, she saw both Yui and Orion arrive, leading one of the lesson horses behind them.
Amanda smiled and waved, excited to see how this lesson would go. She slowly walked over to the mounting block before stopping. "Hello Orion and Yui. Hope you are both doing well today. Did you need some help fixing the tack before you get on?"
Without a doubt, the best way to get to know me is through my music
thanks aofie!
Even roll = lesson goes well!
Fifty-two - riding instructor at Helping Hooves - Separated
Hi everyone! I'm Amanda, please leave Mrs. McKenzie for my mother when she comes to visit. I've been riding horses before I could walk - both English and Western. I am here to prepare you and your horse(s) for competitions and offer a personalized lesson program.
My previous coaches were all professional Western/English riders back home in the USA and I've learned a lot from them, but now it's my turn to be my own teacher.
class objectives
Students who take eventing classes from me will be confident in the show ring. Nothing like the thrill of riding outside, right?! You'll learn everything you need to know and I teach anyone from Beginner Novice to Advanced.
availability
April 12th group 1. @name - horse - level 2. @name - horse - level 3. @name - horse - level individual 1. Piper Salem Ledor-Kita - The Boogey Man - Intermediate 2. @name - horse - level
Hi everyone! I'm Amanda, please leave Mrs. McKenzie for my mother when she comes to visit. I've been riding horses before I could walk - both English and Western. I am here to prepare you and your horse(s) for competitions and offer a personalized lesson program.
My previous coaches were all professional Western/English riders back home in the USA and I've learned a lot from them, but now it's my turn to be my own teacher.
class objectives
Students who take trail classes will learn how to do patterns with various obstacles (think the handy pony classes in the shows!). I do offer them as in-hand classes for those who have young horses and aren't ready for work with a saddle.
I'm available to teach everyone from rookie to level three.
Amanda can be described as a typical Southern Belle. She is truly kind, despite her fame and acknowledges as many fans as she can when someone recognizes her. Amanda is also a hard worker, as she wrote all her songs herself - assisting in any way she could when it came to her career. The only times she can be mean/rude is when someone is rude back to her, she won't take anyone's BS.
She moved to Hickstead in November 2023, so she is looking for friends!!
enemies
Honestly, only her ex husband is her enemy. Though potentially some rivals from barns? She coaches at Helping Hooves and really keeps a low profile.
lovers
Amanda recently separated from her husband - so this area is open!!
The bay stallion lowered his head, quite content that his human was paying attention to him since the move. Amanda smiled, it was always so fascinating to her how quickly the young horse settled in wherever they went. She hoped that this would be their final move. No one knew who she was and the Ledor-Kita family had hired her basically on the spot.
A voice from the vet made her snap out of her thoughts, turning her head towards where the voice was coming from. "That would be us, it's nice to finally meet you rather than talking over the phone." Waylon was up to date on his vaccinations before he left, but she was a good enough horse owner to double check if England had different regulations. "Yes, I know I sound like a crazy horse lady but I just want to make sure he survived the long haul over. He was in quarantine before moving here." It also gave her the perfect opportunity to create a professional relationship with the vet.
"Where can we start? Waylon has a puppy like personality so don't worry about him getting kicked or anything." It was the main reason Waylon was able to keep his breeding abilities. Amanda was happy she was finally able to ride him again rather than a trainer doing it for her.
Without a doubt, the best way to get to know me is through my music
thanks aofie!
Fifty-two - riding instructor at Helping Hooves - Separated
Amanda was amazed of the selection the tack store had. As Waylon was boarded at a training barn, she paid the barn staff there to buy Waylon the blankets he needed. She didn't realize she was so focused on horse blankets to realize someone else had entered the store as well.
As the older brunette shuffled down to look at the next blanket, she felt someone run into her. It caused Amanda to stumble, thankful she didn't lose her balance completely - able to catch herself just in time. "Oof. It's alright. Are you by chance in a hurry or something? I'm new around here and I'd enjoy having some help picking out some new things for my horse." Amanda was more than capable of doing it herself, but a second opinion on new blankets for Waylon was always good.
It took her a moment to realize what the blonde woman was looking for - the job board seemed to grab the other woman's attention. "You aren't looking for a job are you?" She hadn't noticed the bulletin board before, but this also was her first time in the store. A navy colored rain sheet caught her eye, it was something that would look good on the dark bay stallion. She used her hand and pulled the sample out to get a better look at it, putting it back as she realized the color of the piping wasn't something she liked.
Without a doubt, the best way to get to know me is through my music
thanks aofie!
Fifty-two - riding instructor at Helping Hooves - Separated
Amanda had thankfully never been much of a city girl, often going with her parents to the Market on the weekends. Maybe that's why the American found herself there - to remind her of her family, who for once in her life weren't living close to her anymore. "Whitney? That's a nice name. I'm actually just looking for chicken eggs. Do they sell more than just that here?" It only took her a moment to realize the answer as soon as she read the signage with the prices. The woman couldn't take back her comment now. "Have you been living here long? I just moved here a few weeks ago so any tips or fun things you can do around here I'd appreciate." Amanda was slightly fascinated by the fact that the eggs came in different colors. She hadn't ever lived on a farm with chickens, so the McKenzie family always bought their eggs from another local farmer or from the grocery store. The older woman picked up a carton of eggs and opened it, carefully checking each egg in case they were cracked.
Without a doubt, the best way to get to know me is through my music
thanks aofie!
Fifty-two - riding instructor at Helping Hooves - Separated
It was American Thanksgiving, Amanda's first by herself. There was a tinge of sadness throughout the day. though she kept herself busy. Riding Waylon and coaching lessons took up her morning and most of her afternoon. She left Helping Hooves and headed off to the Market in town.
After her drive through the countryside, she made it to the Market. It was something she had heard about from a few of her clients. Having fresh produce in her home was something that was important to her and there was nothing better than fresh produce. She headed towards the market stalls, stopping at one that was selling fresh eggs. Amanda began chatting with the employee, turning to see someone else. "Have you bought eggs here before?" She read the various small signs, shocked to read that they even had some exotic eggs for sale.
"Sorry if I startled you, didn't mean to catch you off guard. I'm Amanda, just moved here not that long ago." That was the test to see if the other woman recognized her, she would be happy if she didn't. Meeting fans now meant having to explain the whole Keegan situation.
Without a doubt, the best way to get to know me is through my music.
thanks aofie!
Fifty-two - riding instructor at Helping Hooves - Separated
The young bay stallion's hooves crunched along the gravel pathway beside his human. Amanda had reluctantly dragged him out of his private pen, but Amanda wanted Waylon to be looked at - so that she could build a professional relationship with one of the local vets.
The crunching turned into clip clops as their feet hit the pavement of the barn aisle. The older woman pat the stallion on the neck, glad that she had someone she knew make the move with her. When they got close, she turned Waylon to face her and backed him into a cross tie. She clipped both sides to each side of his leather halter and removed the lead rope. "He should be here soon, then you can go back outside and play." She wanted to give him a few days to settle in before she started riding him.
She knew Waylon couldn't understand her, but she liked to think he could at least recognize her voice. The woman put her hand in the pocket of her jeans and pulled out a sugar cube and giving it to him with a flat palm. As the horse was munching on his treat, she heard someone approach them.
Amanda had made sure that Waylon settled into his new home before she headed off to the tack store. She needed to buy feed, supplements and some warmer blankets for her horse. After closing the car door, she entered the address of the tack store into her phone and allowed the navigation system to guide her. Thoughts of Keegan came flooding back into her mind as she drove along. She couldn't believe she actually had the courage to leave - and take Waylon with her.
She turned into the turn lane and entered the parking lot of the tack store. It seemed as if there were a lot of people there as the lot was full, but Amanda was able to find the last spot. The woman locked her car and headed inside. With the ring of the doorbell, she entered - amazed by the selection. The dark haired woman headed towards the blanket section after taking a moment to glance at the Western show outfits. One thing she forgot about was that England was much cooler than Tennessee. She stood in front of the blanket display - glad they had a variety of color options.
identifying features• Amanda has long dark blonde hair and brown eyes. She stands 5'4'' tall and is usually dressed nicely, even at the barn.
the personality
likes • singing, horses, cold winters, costumes and long drives.
dislikes • her ex husband, gambling, not spending time at the barn, fish (is allergic) and closed spaces.
strengths • singing and preforming in front of an audience.
weaknesses • coffee and sweets
dreams • to settle down in a new life without her ex husband and fall in love again.
fears • her ex husband finding her.
overall personality • Amanda can be described as a typical Southern Belle. She is truly kind, despite her fame and acknowledges as many fans as she can when someone recognizes her. Amanda is also a hard worker, as she wrote all her songs herself - assisting in any way she could when it came to her career. The only times she can be mean/rude is when someone is rude back to her, she won't take anyone's BS.
the history
father • Emerson Ian McKenzie, 77, retired police officer
important people • Kegan Mitchell - ex husband. Richelle Stone - manager and BFF perry Lionel whitlock - distant relative (his grandmother is her mother's sister)
hometown • Nashville, TN, USA
overall history • Being born into a working class family, meant that nothing ever came easy for Amanda. Everything she did she had to work for, up until she got discovered. Her grandmother would take her to church every Sunday and quickly the choir found out she had a singing talent. She was the youngest member of their choir, agreeing to participate in the Christmas and Easter events they held at the local nursing homes. She continued school, getting good enough grades to graduate High School. During their after grad party, one of the parent chaperones worked for a record label - as the students did karaoke he approached her and asked if she wanted to join a band that was looking for a singer. Amanda agreed and began touring with them.
Life on the road wasn't as glamorous as she thought. She spent all day, every day with her bandmates and started making money. They released three records before splitting ways - most of the members had decided to settle down and start a family after six years of making music for a living. Amanda came back to Nashville, not knowing what to do. Her Grandmother suggested she come work at the local farm with some cousins of hers - which is where her love of horses started. Amanda learned how to ride and helped with the work, in return for room and board. The farm took off and they built log cabins, deciding to turn it into a cabin rental business as well. Amanda was then in charge of entertainment for the guests, writing her own songs to sing to guests. Once again, she was discovered by her now ex-husband, Kegan. He promised her he would turn her into a superstar, solo this time.
Her solo career quickly rocketed, earning her more than enough money to live on her own. She will always be thankful for her cousins for taking her in and giving her a soft spot to land. As she spent most of her time on the road and in the recording studio with Kegan, they quickly fell in love. After almost four years of dating, they got engaged and married a year later. They bought a house together, deciding that Nashville was home for both of them. Everything was going well and Amanda continued to ride horses when she was home and able to. She preformed at the All American Quarter Horse Congress horse show and noticed a young horse for sale. Waylon had won all of his classes as a two year old that year. Amanda and Kegan went home with Waylon and all the new things for him.
In the last two years, Amanda realized that her cash flow wasn't as good as it usually was. Confused, she spoke to Richelle who was in charge of collecting the money from concerts etc - everything was deposited in the correct account. Amanda double and triple checked with the bank, making sure it wasn't fraud before she accused her husband. Little did she know, Kegan was gambling her hard earned money away. She quickly had the difficult discussion with him, he denied everything. The woman was able to cut him off from their joint account and she filed for divorce. As soon as the files were served, the abuse happened. He physically abused her and she continued to preform on stages across the world - using stage makeup to cover her bruises. Waylon was thriving though, Amanda glad to be able to have him at a training barn nearby - somewhere she liked to escape before having to deal with the abuse. She also offered him as a breeding stallion, wanting to save money to be able to leave Kegan for good.
About two weeks ago, Amanda had saved enough money to move. She wanted to move out of the country, somewhere were Kegan couldn't find her and Waylon. As her mother was born in Hickstead, she had the idea to move there - she didn't have to learn a new language at least! Amanda was able to get a job at Helping Hooves as their instructor and Waylon will also be boarded there.